Kip Harte

Kip Lorne Harte, 56, of Bellaire MI., formerly of Peoria IL, passed away April 2, 2012 due to a longstanding illness. Kip was born March 7, 1956 in Ottawa, IL, son of Edward J. Harte and Betty Jessen Harte. Kip is survived by his mother Betty, his uncle John (Doris) Jessen,aunt Patricia (Donald) Pollette, his sister Nancy (John) Thompson, his brother Bobby (Dilcia) Harte, nieces Karen Herczak and her children Courtney and Michael John Herczak, Jamie (Andy) Zeller and her children, Miranda and Drew Zeller, nephew Garey Wagner (Denise) and his children Greg, Lauren, and Bridget; as well as numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by many close friends including, Paul Adams, David Layman, and Ron Blackford as well as others too numerous to name. Kip was preceded in death by his Grandparents Chester and Rose Jessen, his father Edward, Aunts Elaine (Bill) Green, Rosemary (Don) Becherer, and Uncles William (Loretta) Jessen, Michael (Mary) Jessen, and Bobby Jessen. Kip was a member of St. Columbus Church in Ottawa. He attended St. Columbus School and Ottawa High School. While living in Peoria Kip was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. He retired from Caterpillar Factory in Peoria after 17 years due to poor health. He moved to Meadow Brook in Bellaire, MI in March of 2011. Kip was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing in Wisconsin and at Thayer Lake in Michigan. Kip was a devoted fan of Chicago Cubs and enjoyed attending games at Wrigley Field. He had numerous interests including playing pool, bowling and golfing with close friend Sandy Avery. Kip will be remembered in a memorial services presided by Bishop Andrew McDonald at the St. Joseph Our Protector Chapel in Palantine, IL. A private burial ceremony will take place at St. Columbus Cemetery in Ottawa, IL. Both dates are pending at this time. Please sign his guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com